Glasgow's got it all

With its heady mix of culture, architecture, music, nightlife, shopping and sport, not to mention its friendly residents, Glasgow has everything you need. Accessible, affordable and multicultural, this is a great city for students from all backgrounds and cultures.

Architecture

Despite its industrial roots, Glasgow is known as ‘Scotland with Style’. The city is a monument to architecture and design, with striking examples of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s trademark Art Noveau design in the likes of Glasgow School of Art and House for an Art Lover. The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design and the City, also houses a changing programme of exhibitions and events and plays a key role in a number of significant design projects.

Culture

Other cultural highlights of the city include the recently refurbished landmark Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the impressive Gallery of Modern Art, the Burrell Collection in the city’s south side and the Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT). Glasgow is also home to Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera, adding to the city’s exciting international appeal and making it easy to see why Glasgow was once voted European City of Culture.

Music

Recently honoured as a UNESCO City of Music, the lively music scene has produced countless famous and ground-breaking artists, including – in recent times - Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, and Glasvegas. Glasgow’s renowned music venues, such as the legendary Barrowlands, showcase an endless stream of musical talent and, in fact, Oasis were discovered in one of the city’s most celebrated venues, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

Sport

In sporting terms, Glasgow is perhaps most famous for football, with the city boasting Scotland’s largest football stadia (Celtic Park, Ibrox Stadium and Hampden Park) and three professional football clubs. However, Glasgow’s love of sport does not end there. Rugby, athletics, badminton, rowing and even shinty, amongst countless other sports, are all enjoyed across the city. In fact, testament to its vibrant cultural appeal, welcoming atmosphere and top-notch sporting facilities, in 2007 Glasgow was chosen to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Shopping

If you’re after some retail therapy, Glasgow is second only to London for the best shopping experience in the UK. From giant high street shopping malls like Buchanan Galleries, to the exclusive Princes Square development and designer Italian Centre, you’ll find plenty of excuses to spend some cash or just window-shop.

Time out

It’s easy to find some breathing space within the hustle and bustle of the busy city. With over 90 parks and gardens within the city boundaries, there is ample opportunity to relax on your own or with friends, go for a jog or simply enjoy the beauty of this ‘dear green place’.

Nights out

A dazzling array of bars, restaurants, clubs, theatres and cinemas all combine to create an unrivalled nightlife that attracts visitors from all over the UK and beyond. In addition to these permanent attractions, Glasgow’s annual events diary is a busy one, with the city hosting huge international events like Celtic Connections in January, a music festival celebrating traditional celtic music, and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival every March. All in all, there’s never a dull moment in this thriving metropolis.